When Trust Is a Weapon- Rev 5-2011 OOA PH NO-2.Pub
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is a crime! County of Riverside Department of Public Social Services C.A.R.E. Program Curtailing Abuse Related to the Elderly 800-476-7506 This publication was developed by the Riverside County C.A.R.E. Program, and made possible through funding from the Older Americans Act Title VII—Elder Abuse Prevention Fund. RIVERSIDE COUNTY OFFICE ON AGING ADRC of RIVERSIDE 800-510-2020 NOTES Table of Contents Regrets…I’ve Had A Few………………….. 1 The “Con” in Confidence…………………… 2 Affinity Fraud………………………………… 3 Charity Fraud………………………………... 3 Distraction Burglary…………………………. 4 “Grandma, It’s Me” Scam…………………... 5 Home Health Care Fraud……...…………… 5 Home Repair Fraud………………………… 7 Identity Theft………………………………… 8 In-Home Solicitation Contracts……………. 9 Insurance Fraud…………………………….. 11 Investment Fraud…………………………… 12 Jury Duty Scam……………………………... 13 Lotteries and Sweepstakes Scams……….. 14 Medicare Drug Benefits Scam…………….. 15 Phony Collection Agencies………………… 16 Real Estate Fraud…………………………... 17 Telemarketing Fraud……………………….. 18 Stop Junk Mail Form………………………... 20 Work-at-Home Scams…………………...…. 22 Resource and Reporting Guide…………… 23 (Rev. 5/2011) REGRETS… I’VE HAD A FEW NOTES So…you had a bad day. You weren’t at your best. Maybe you were worrying about the balance in your retirement account and making ends meet. Maybe you weren’t feeling well. Maybe you trusted or believed the wrong person, and you said “yes” when you should have said “no.” Maybe you became the victim of a consumer scam. So…it happens to all of us, no matter our age. It does not define who you are – it does not define your tomorrow. It is only ONE MOMENT in time. If you said “yes” and regret it, call the C.A.R.E. Program for help. No need for embarrassment – we’ve heard every “yes” story imaginable and we understand the dynamics of slick talking con men. On page 2 you can read more about how con men work, and how to avoid becoming a victim in the future. The C.A.R.E. Program (Curtailing Abuse Related to the Elderly) serves Riverside County older adult (65+) and dependent adult (18-64) victims of fraud by businesses or strangers. C.A.R.E. has three main goals when advocating for you: 1) Guard or regain your assets 2) Preserve your dignity and confidentiality 3) Provide support and assistance throughout the process SILENCE IS FRAUD’S BIGGEST ALLY… IF YOU HAVE BEEN SCAMMED CALL: C.A.R.E. Program - 800-476-7506 Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. TO REPORT ALL OTHER TYPES OF ELDER ABUSE CALL: Adult Protective Services - 800-491-7123 24 hrs. / 7 days Both Programs are a Division of Riverside County Department of Public Social Services 1 RESOURCES AND REPORTING GUIDE THE “CON” IN CONFIDENCE Public Service Law Corporation Legal services for income eligible resi- “Con artists” (or CONfidence men) are people trained and (951) 682-7968 dents of Western Riverside County. skilled in gaining your acceptance and trust. Behind their Small Claims Court Information Official Department to answer ques- friendly, engaging exterior lurks a dangerous ability to (through Riverside Superior Court) tions about Small Claims Court issues. break down your normal barriers and gain the very thing (951) 413-5353 / that is in their name: CONfidence. Con artists present www.riverside.courts.ca.gov themselves in a variety of ways and will change to fit Securities and Exchange To report fraudulent practices and whatever circumstances benefit their ability to pull off a Commission check the licenses of investment con- scam. They may dress in a business suit or construction (800) 732-0330 sultants/brokers. attire. They may look like your next door neighbor or a Social Security Administration To order a free copy of your earnings bank president. But all their efforts are concentrated on (800) 772-1213 / and benefits statement to check for one thing – gaining your CONfidence! According to Bob www.socialsecurity.gov identity theft. Stuber, author of “Safe Escape,” there are 5 simple rules that, when followed, will protect you from becoming the victim of a con artist. Rule #1: Make your trust hard to earn. Never trust a stranger. The only exceptions to Rule #1 are police officers and emergency room physicians. Rule #2: Don’t be fooled by appearances. Often we judge a book by its cover, but that’s a dangerous habit when dealing with con artists. They are not who they seem to be. Follow your instincts and watch for clues. Rule #3: Don’t be fooled by vocabulary – and don’t let your guard down just because someone speaks your native language. Con artists are actors and often follow a script. They have lots more practice learning scams than you have trying to avoid them! Rule #4: Always do your homework – check out the person you are dealing with and any claims he/she makes. When con artists realize you are going to investigate, often they will abandon the scam, or tell you the offer is for “a limited time only.” Rule #5: Stop the conversation! This should really be Rule #1, because if you follow it, you can ignore Rules 1-4. Conversation establishes the scam through the con artist’s mastery of communication. The longer you remain engaged in conversation, the more likely you are to be scammed. Stopping the con artist in mid-sentence or just hanging up the phone or closing your door is not rude or inconsiderate – it’s just plain smart! If you would like to schedule a free educational presentation about elder abuse and fraud please call the C.A.R.E. Program at 800-476-7506. 25 2 AFFINITY FRAUD RESOURCES AND REPORTING GUIDE Affinity scams exploit the trust and friendship that exists among members of simi- DMA Mail Preference Service To avoid unwanted mail advertise- lar groups such as religious or ethnic communities, and causes us to let our P.O. Box 643 ments, send name, address, and guards down. The word “affinity” means “a natural attraction, relationship, liking.” Carmel, NY 10512 phone number. (See form provided under “Stop Junk Mail” in Resource It brings into play feelings of similarity and connection. Though hard to accept, and Reporting Guide). trust is often used as a weapon. Regardless of how much you may trust your con- nection, don’t forget that he/she may have been fooled too. Call the C.A.R.E. Do Not Call Registry (Telemarketing) To removes names from telemarketing Program (800-476-7506) to check on the professional licenses of any “new (888) 382-1222 / www.donotcall.gov call lists. friends” – especially if they seem too good to be true! Self Defense Tips: Federal Trade Commission To report fraudulent debt collection (877) 382-4357 / www.ftc.gov practices and lottery/sweepstakes ♦ All claims and investments have some level of risk. If you are pitched claims fraud. of high profits, no risks, or guaranteed returns ~ say NO! Federal Trade Commission To report identity theft. ♦ Accept only written investments and proposals. If the advisor claims the deal (877) 438-4338 / www.ftc.gov is “moving too fast for them to reduce it to writing” ~ say NO! If you are told to FINRA (Financial Industry Regula- To check on licensing of investment keep a financial deal confidential ~ say NO! tory Authority) consultants and to report fraudulent ♦ Take the time to study all the claims and ask for help. If you are pitched a fi- (800) 289-9999 / www.finra.org investors. nancial opportunity that is “once in a lifetime” or “today only” ~ say NO! Health Insurance Counseling and Free assistance with Medicare, HMO, Advocacy Program (HICAP) and Long Term Care insurance. CHARITY FRAUD (800) 434-0222 Charities provide a variety of valuable services to our communities. Due to some Inland Counties Legal Services Free legal services for low income sen- (951) 368-2555 iors; civil law such as landlord/tenant, economic downturn more charities are asking for more money more often, using (951) 320-7500 (For Seniors) trusts, and family law. telemarketing and direct mail solicitation to raise funds for their causes. AARP (888) 245-4257 (Toll Free) research shows that Americans over the age of 65 receive more telephone and (888) 455-4257 (Housing Hotline for mail solicitations for charitable donations than any other age group. Fraudsters Landlord/Tenant Issues) find it easier to take advantage of seniors because they are more likely to be Medical Board of California Central To report complaints and receive infor- home during the day to receive the calls, and they may be more trusting and Complaint Unit mation about physicians. more polite to callers. Whether solicitations are made by phone, in person, or by (800) 633-2322 / www.med.bd.ca.gov mail many of the self defense tips below apply. Please call the C.A.R.E. Program Medicare To report Medicare Drug Plan Scams (800-476-7506) to assist with checking the validity of charitable organizations or (877) 772-3379 or to answer questions about a drug plan. filing a fraud report, or call BBB Wise Giving Alliance at 703-276-0100 – Press “3” - or go online at www.give.org National Fraud Information Center To report telemarketing and Internet www.fraud.org fraud. Self Defense Tips: Office on Aging Free information and referral on all ♦ Be wary of appeals that are high pressure or tug at your heartstrings, espe- (951) 867-3800 (800) 510-2020 types of senior services available cially pleas that involve patriotism, children, law enforcement/firefighters, or county wide. current events. Opt-Out Blocks your name from pre-approved ♦ Ask for the name of the charity and what percentage of the funds will go to (888) 567-8688 / credit lists.